The Coolpad Cool 5 and Nokia 5.1 Plus (also known as the Nokia X5) represent distinct approaches to the budget smartphone market. The Cool 5 prioritizes a lower entry price, while the Nokia 5.1 Plus aims for a more refined experience with a more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia 5.1 Plus (X5) is the superior choice. Its Helio P60 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Coolpad Cool 5’s Helio P22, translating to smoother multitasking and a better gaming experience. While the Cool 5 is cheaper, the performance trade-off is significant.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 38, 40, 66 - USA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, October. Released 2019, October | 2018, July 18. Released 2018, December 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 157 x 76 x 8 mm (6.18 x 2.99 x 0.31 in) | 149.5 x 72 x 8.1 mm (5.89 x 2.83 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 145 g (5.11 oz) | 160 g (5.64 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~287 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.86 inches, 85.7 cm2 (~79.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) - GlobalOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) - China |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, AF
2 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3060 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gradient Blue, Midnight Blue | Night black, Glacier white, Baltic sea blue |
| Models | - | TA-1120, TA-1105, TA-1102 |
| Price | About 8000 INR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.78 W/kg (head) 1.89 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 119428 (v7)
GFXBench: 7.4fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Coolpad Cool 5
- Lower price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Simple and straightforward Android experience.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Nokia 5.1 Plus.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
- Likely inferior camera performance.
Nokia 5.1 Plus (Nokia X5)
- More powerful Helio P60 chipset delivers a smoother user experience.
- Better performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Improved camera processing capabilities.
- Higher price compared to the Coolpad Cool 5.
- May not offer significant improvements in battery life.
- Still a budget device with potential compromises in build quality.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize standard LCD panels, and detailed specifications like brightness and color accuracy are unavailable. However, the focus should be on the performance difference. The Nokia 5.1 Plus’s more powerful chipset will contribute to smoother animations and faster app loading, indirectly improving the perceived display experience. Bezels are likely comparable given the market segment.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs are lacking, but the chipset difference indirectly impacts camera performance. The Helio P60 in the Nokia 5.1 Plus includes an image signal processor (ISP) capable of faster image processing and better noise reduction compared to the P22 in the Coolpad Cool 5. While both likely feature similar primary sensor resolutions, the Nokia 5.1 Plus will likely produce sharper, more detailed images, especially in low-light conditions. The presence of any OIS is unknown for both devices, but the P60’s ISP can offer some software stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Coolpad Cool 5’s MediaTek Helio P22 (MT6762), built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, all Cortex-A53 cores. The Nokia 5.1 Plus (X5) utilizes the MediaTek Helio P60 (MT6771), also 12nm, but with a more sophisticated CPU configuration: four Cortex-A73 cores at 1.8 GHz (or 2.0 GHz in the China variant) paired with four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8 GHz. The A73 cores are significantly more powerful than the A53 cores, resulting in a substantial performance advantage for the Nokia 5.1 Plus in CPU-intensive tasks and multitasking. This translates to faster app launches and a more fluid user interface. The GPU in the P60 also offers a better gaming experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the more efficient Helio P60 in the Nokia 5.1 Plus, coupled with its superior processing capabilities, may result in comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Coolpad Cool 5. Charging is specified as 'Wired' for the Coolpad Cool 5, but wattage is unknown. The Nokia 5.1 Plus’s charging speed is also unspecified, but the more efficient chipset could lead to faster charging times with the same wattage adapter.
Buying Guide
Buy the Coolpad Cool 5 if your primary need is an extremely affordable smartphone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use. You’re willing to accept slower performance and limited multitasking capabilities to save money. Buy the Nokia 5.1 Plus (Nokia X5) if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, better performance for gaming and demanding apps, and a more balanced overall package, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia 5.1 Plus handle popular games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
The Helio P60 in the Nokia 5.1 Plus is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship-level gaming experience, it's significantly better equipped for gaming than the Coolpad Cool 5's Helio P22.
❓ Is the performance difference between the Helio P60 and P22 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Nokia 5.1 Plus will feel snappier when opening apps, switching between tasks, and browsing the web. The Coolpad Cool 5 may exhibit lag and slowdowns with even moderate multitasking.
❓ Does the Nokia 5.1 Plus (X5) receive regular software updates?
As a Nokia device, the 5.1 Plus was part of the Android One program, promising timely security updates and OS upgrades. However, support may be nearing its end-of-life, so check the current update status before purchasing.
❓ Which phone is better for taking quick photos of documents?
The Nokia 5.1 Plus is likely better for document scanning due to the Helio P60’s improved image processing, resulting in sharper and more legible text. The P22 in the Coolpad Cool 5 may produce blurry or distorted images.
